Comma Quote by Mary Norris
“The comma, if it's left out, sometimes can be a problem. There's a slogan on a T-shirt going around that "Let's Eat, Grandma," and "Let's Eat Grandma."”
About This Quote
Source Article: Grammar column on punctuation
Missing a comma can change meaning dramatically, as shown by the “Let's Eat Grandma” example.
In simple terms: Punctuation matters for clarity.
Key Takeaway
Use commas to avoid ambiguity.
Themes
grammar
clarity
communication
punctuation
Mood
educational
lighthearted
Type
advice
humorous
When to use this quote
- writing emails
- editing documents
- teaching language
Key Concepts
syntax
semantic ambiguity
language precision
Questions to Reflect On
- How does punctuation affect interpretation?
- When is punctuation insufficient for clarity?
A Different Perspective
Overreliance on punctuation may not fix all misunderstandings.
